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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Achievement Unlocked: The Story of a ‘Golden’ Graduate

Feb. 21, 2024

StratCom | SCO

“Akala ko noon wala nang pag-asa, pero nakita ko na madami pa palang pwedeng mangyari at pwedeng magawa. Maniwala at magtiwala ka lang dahil habang may pangarap tayo, may pag-asa.” Hope, determination, and faith in life are the things Ms. Lourdes G. Cruz held onto to fulfill her dream of having a college degree at the age of 50. She received her diploma as one of the 594 graduates during the 33rd Midyear Commencement Exercises last February 16, 2024 through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) offered by Central Luzon State University. Accompanied by her 90-year-old father, Mr. Aquilio Cruz patiently waited for her daughter as her name was called to receive her diploma in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. “Sinama ko yung tatay ko kasi gusto kong iparanas sa kanya yung pakiramdam na meron syang anak na nakatapos ng kolehiyo,” Cruz added being the first child to finish a college degree as a tribute to her parents, especially her proud father. Lourdes faced many challenges as a single working mother but she didn't let those hindrances stop her to dream while supporting his son to also finish his education, who eventually became an engineer and now a faculty of the College of Engineering. “Napagtapos ko na yung anak ko kahit single mom ako, kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko after niya makatapos ng pag-aaral, ako naman,” Lourdes declares as she believed that education is the key to success and refuses to give up on her dream of obtaining a college degree. With the support of her son and her determination, Ms. Cruz proved that age is just a number and achieving one's dreams has no definite timeline. CLSU - ETEEAP offers an alternative education delivery mode and promotes access to continuing quality higher education of Filipinos through an effective system of academic equivalency and accreditation of prior learning from relevant work experiences. For more information, visit the ETEEAP office or contact them thru eteeap@clsu.edu.ph.

Related SDGs
  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Other Stories

DBM Conducts Validation of CLSU Infrastructure and Financial Performance

Officials from the Department of Budget and Management Region III (DBM) visited Central Luzon State University to conduct a Full-Time Delivery Unit (FDU) Validation and site inspection on August 26, 2026. The visit aimed to evaluate and monitor the university's financial and physical performance, address administrative bottlenecks, and inspect ongoing projects around the campus. Led by Chief Budget and Management Specialist II, Ms. Adoracion Q. Mangalino, the DBM delegates inspected key project sites, including the new dormitories built on the former old market, the newly renovated university library, and various completed infrastructure projects around the university. After the inspection, the group convened for the University President's report, which highlighted achievements in academic standing, global rankings, research, and extension, followed by the FDU assessment proper. Key officials present in the meeting were Vice President for Administration, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, Vice President for Business Affairs, Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, Director of Financial Management Services Office, Ms. Jinky Parugrug, Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Management Office, Mr. Ryan Esteban to provide insight into their respective areas. The joint visit concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the university's commitment to delivering high-impact projects that meet DBM standards.

Aug. 27, 2026

CLSU Launches ‘Sidlan’ Community Pantry to Support Students

Embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the Laban sa Ipinagbabawal na Gamot, Tulay na Agapay sa Sielesyuans at Sambayanan (LIGTAS-CLSU), a non-college-based student organization, in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) headed by Dean Irene Bustos, officially launched its community pantry today, August 26 at the OSA tambayan. Dubbed “Sidlan: Ang Pantry ng Sielesyuans,” the event was first conceptualized two years ago through the collective contributions and support of the university community. Guided by the principle “Kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan, magbigay ayon sa kakayahan,” the pantry will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for all CLSU students. During the opening ceremony, LIGTAS-CLSU President Jovan Clay Evangelista emphasized the project's community-driven mission. "Ito ang Sidlan, ang pantry ng Sielesyuan, isang proyekto mula sa komunidad, para sa komunidad,” Mr. Evangelista said. University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella commended the organizers for initiating a program aimed at directly assisting fellow students. "Alam naman natin na hindi pantay-pantay ang kakayahan ng bawat estudyante dito sa ating campus, kaya from time to time ay maglalagay din tayo dito upang matulungan ang ibang estudyante,” Pres. Abella stated, assuring continued institutional and personal support for the project. To embody the spirit of the community pantry, Dr. Abella brought with him essential groceries and sacks of rice to share with the community. The organization continues to welcome donations of food and essential goods from the CLSU Community and the public, while encouraging all Sielesyuans, especially those facing financial hardship, to take what they need from the pantry. #SievingForExcellence

Aug. 26, 2026

Former Student Regent Viterbo is Among the Region’s Top Outstanding Students, Completes DAP’s BAGANI Program

Ms. Aljone V. Viterbo, former Student Regent of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), has been recognized as a top finalist in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) program for Central Luzon, affirming her commitment to academic excellence and passion for public service. Prior to this, she also completed the pioneering program of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the youth dubbed as BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program. Ms. Viterbo, who graduated magna cum laude, served as the Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) and as Student Regent for academic year 2025-2026. Her TOSP selection reflects both her academic performance and her eight-year record of sustained involvement in community outreach and volunteer initiatives. “Hindi ko po ito itinuturing na aking tagumpay lamang. Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung hindi dahil sa mga taong aking pinaglilingkuran at nakasama sa paglilingkod, pag-aaral, at pagkatuto,” Ms. Viterbo shared. Highlighting her deep commitment to public service and community development, she shared, “Ang lahat ng ito ay upang patuloy akong makapagbigay ng serbisyo para sa ikabubuti ng ating komunidad.” The regional selection process was organized by the TOSP Region 3 Alumni Community of Heroes (TOSP-R3ACH). The program provides a platform for student leaders across the region to strengthen leadership capabilities, reinforce core values, and advance social development initiatives. Meanwhile, before receiving the TOSP accolade, Ms. Viterbo completed the BAGANI Program of the DAP, which aims to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement sustainable community-based initiatives. Held from June 13 to July 11, 2026, the program selected only 56 fellows from more than 2,000 applicants nationwide, making Ms. Viterbo one of the distinguished BAGANI fellows who successfully underwent the highly competitive selection process. After completing the BAGANI Program, Ms. Viterbo shared a profound realization about the value of public service, saying, “Serving the people is a privilege. The Philippines and the Filipino people are worth fighting for. Kahit magulo at basag ang bansa natin ngayon, may pag-asa pa rin, at puwede iyong magsimula sa atin.” With this, the University extends its congratulations to Ms. Viterbo on this achievement and her continued success. May your efforts continue to inspire the student body and future leaders of our country.

Aug. 25, 2026

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Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
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